Since I'm writing a synopsis again for an upcoming project, I thought I'd share an oldie but goodie with Writer's Wow today!
MY TOP 10 WORDS OF ADVICE FOR WRITING A SYNOPSIS:
1) Have a strong opening sentence. Just like in your novel, you want to catch an editor's attention with a hook.
2) Introduce your characters. Don't make it boring... Susy is a 30-something single mom. Blah! Give us some punch to it. Show the editor who the character is.
3) Include the key components of your novel: hero/heroine, the set up, romantic conflict, character motivation, the black moment and the resolution.
4) In a one-page synopsis, it's impossible to include every detail of your chapters.In fact, I would think editors don't want a summary of each chapter, anyway. Find a good way to include the essentials (see list above) in a way that will engage the editor. Describe the major plot points, not each scene. The goal is to give a sketch of your entire manuscript, in fewer words.
5) Don't ask questions. Will Amanda discover a renewed love for Jake? This doesn't work. The editor wants the answers, not the question.
6) Stay focused. Don't change POV's and stay in the same verb tense
7) Don't forget to tell the ending. Editors want to know how the story ends. Don't leave them hanging.
8) Choose your words carefully. When you write your manuscript, you hopefully choose precise words. You want to do the same in the synopsis.
9) Voice is important. If you write a romantic comedy, then your synopsis should show that. This is the time to give the editor a clue on what type of writer you are... if you're funny, you better show it.
10) Don't stress. Write your synopsis out as if someone asked you to tell them your story. Then go back and see how you can improve. Edit it just like you'd edit your manuscript.
Good Luck!
Melinda Dozier is a contemporary writer. Her three debut novels were released in 2013: The Boy Next Door and Time Changes Everything from Entranced Publishing, and Breaking the Rules from Crimson Romance. She has another novel releasing in November. You can find more information at her website:www.melindadozier.com
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